we have a couple in the polytunnel this year, they're massive, but fruiting has been so/so. I shall be interested to see if they survive the winter. We didn't have much luck with them outdoors last year here in Norfolk.
I grew up with Cape Gooseberies back in Western Australia where the lowest temps were above zero, they grew a bit like weeds back home. But I never realised/noticed they might have been perennial!